Even when you’re strongly committed to remaining substance-free after ending your dependency on drugs or alcohol, it’s important to have tools in place to keep you resolute when challenges creep in. Here are three things to try right now to ensure long-term success with your recovery.
Surround Yourself With Inspiration
The first thing you see each morning can set the tone for how your day will go. Even if you need a darkened room to sleep better, open your curtains to let in daylight as soon as you awaken to start off on a bright note. Natural light has been shown to be a mood booster, and it also provides several additional health and productivity benefits.
How you decorate your bedroom may also impact how you feel when you first open your eyes. Keeping photos of people who care about you near your bedside reminds you that you have friends and family who are invested in your success.
Placing encouraging sobriety quotes nearby can also serve to inspire and uplift you as you get your day started. While even simple hand-written notes will do the trick, taking the time to frame especially meaningful sayings helps bring more significance to them.
Focus on Getting Healthy
Although you inevitably feel better after ridding your body of toxic alcohol and drugs, after being clean for several months your health may plateau. To start feeling truly well may take additional effort, but living a healthier lifestyle is good not just for your sobriety but also for your overall wellness.
Begin by taking a look at your diet, and if it’s heavy in processed foods and sugars aim to replace those unhealthy foods with produce and whole grains. Exercising is another smart move for boosting your well-being. If the idea of joining a gym and working out feels overwhelming, even getting yourself off the couch by taking a walk or a bike ride is a step in the right direction. Cutting back on smoking, or, better still, quitting altogether, will have a positive impact on your heart and lungs and make it easier to get moving.
Try New Hobbies
Hobbies not only occupy your mind and hands, but they can help you feel productive and fuel your creativity. Crafts like knitting, painting, or scrapbooking are often calming and rewarding, and it’s relatively easy to try out something new. Many communities offer classes if you’re interested in learning.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, consider joining a hiking or rock-climbing group. You’ll connect with other active people who share your interests and benefit from spending time in nature and breathing fresh air.
Other fulfilling pastimes include baking, cooking, and gardening; each offers good opportunities to bolster your health goals, as well. Growing your own vegetables and herbs and using them to prepare balanced meals is a win-win.
While maintaining sobriety over the long run may be challenging, following this advice can help you stay on course. Be proactive by putting tools in place that support your recovery.
